Many of us have a memory of someone giving us a kind word: a hello from a stranger, a compliment, praise from a teacher. We might carry these words with us for years, pulling them out when we need a boost. Kind words can offer encouragement, show appreciation, or make someone feel good about themselves, and the kindness of polite interactions helps us get along with others.
Kindness can ripple out and will always make a difference, to you or to the recipient. One kind word can lead to many more, creating a culture of care and connection.
Cards of Kindness
At Christmas time there are many in our communities who don’t always feel the joy they are expected to at this time of year. It can be a lonely or stressful time. Yarra Plenty Regional Library (YPRL) wants to send words of kindness to those in the community who need it this festive season.
We are asking our community to help write kind words for those in hospital or in aged care, and YPRL will deliver them to those in need. We are running workshops for you to make and write a ‘Card of Kindness’ at Thomastown, Lalor, Ivanhoe, Diamond Valley, and Watsonia branches.
Or you are welcome to drop your own unsealed cards in the ‘post box’ in those branches.
Children can decorate a ‘Butterfly of Kindness’ at Whittlesea, Eltham, Watsonia, and Thomastown branches.
As in previous years, YPRL is supporting community Christmas collections. Diamond Valley Gift Appeal is collecting NEW toys and gift vouchers for children and teenagers in need. There are collection bins at Watsonia, Diamond Valley, Eltham, and Ivanhoe branches. Please leave your donations unwrapped, and do not donate soft toys.
We can accept your donations until Friday 12 December. This leaves time for them to be sorted and given to families!
For those living in Whittlesea, Lalor, Thomastown, Mill Park and Mernda, food can be donated to Whittlesea Community Connections - please contact your Whittlesea branch for further information.
Christmas can also be a difficult time of year financially for some of our local First Nation's community. Barrbunin Beek Aboriginal Gathering Place in Heidelberg West will be holding a Christmas Hamper Drive. You can contribute and make a difference this Christmas for Aboriginal elders and families. Drop your donations into Barrbunin Beek from Monday 8 December to Friday 12 December. Check the Barrbunin Beek website for details.
This November you can make a difference by simply placing one of each item a day from the Reverse Advent Calendar in a box or bag to make a Christmas hamper (see below). Please note this is a guide, other non-perishable items are also welcome.
Volunteering is the donation of your time to support an organisation or community. Over 2 million Victorians give their time as volunteers. Take the first steps at: Search for volunteer roles - Volunteering Victoria.
Have you ever thought about the kindness you can give by donating blood or plasma? Each donation can save up to three lives. You can also register as an Organ Donor.
For more kindness-inspired ideas, take a look in our collection - we have books, audiobooks, and children’s books that provide a window into kindness and how to increase it in your life.